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City Manager Unfiltered

News & Politics Podcasts

City Manager Unfiltered is a podcast by a city manager for city managers. I am your host, Joe Turner, and I’m on a mission to build a community for ambitious city managers. I want to provide you with the career tools and resources to help make you a better executive so you can rack up victories, polish your resume, dominate interviews, land your dream job, and win your contract negotiations. If you are a city manager looking to level up, check out my podcast, City Manager Unfiltered. Hit that subscribe button today so you don’t miss an episode.

Location:

United States

Description:

City Manager Unfiltered is a podcast by a city manager for city managers. I am your host, Joe Turner, and I’m on a mission to build a community for ambitious city managers. I want to provide you with the career tools and resources to help make you a better executive so you can rack up victories, polish your resume, dominate interviews, land your dream job, and win your contract negotiations. If you are a city manager looking to level up, check out my podcast, City Manager Unfiltered. Hit that subscribe button today so you don’t miss an episode.

Language:

English

Contact:

316-880-9646


Episodes
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Checking In with My Criminal Defense Attorney (Part 2) | Ep. 139

1/21/2026
My criminal defense attorney, Katie Bogenschutz, sat down with me again to update you all on my case down in Florida. We also discuss various aspects and nuances of a criminal case. This is Part 2 of a two part series so tune back in next week. You can catch Part 1 here. If you did not listen to my very first interview with Katie where we broke down the charges filed against me, please go to this link and check out Episode 133 published on November 19, 2025. You can read all court filings by going to this link: https://www.civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/66/disclaimer.xhtml After checking the disclaimer, type in my first and last name, and then check the "Felony" box. SHOW NOTES: Katie Bogenschutz' LinkedIn Profile and website Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://cmnews.beehiiv.com/ AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: "Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:43:25

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Checking In with My Criminal Defense Attorney (Part 1) | Ep. 138

1/14/2026
My criminal defense attorney, Katie Bogenschutz, sat down with me again to update you all on my case down in Florida. We also discuss various aspects and nuances of a criminal case. This is Part 1 of a two part series so tune back in next week. If you did not listen to my first interview with Katie where we broke down the charges filed against me, please go to this link and check out Episode 133 published on November 19, 2025. You can read all court filings by going to this link: https://www.civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/66/disclaimer.xhtml After checking the disclaimer, type in my first and last name, and then check the "Felony" box. SHOW NOTES: Katie Bogenschutz' LinkedIn Profile and website Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://cmnews.beehiiv.com/ AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: "Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:47:14

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State Official Threatens City Manager Over Criminal Charge | Ep. 137

12/17/2025
CAUGHT ON TAPE! In this episode, we have a recorded phone conversation between a city manager and a state transportation official who was cited on a criminal trespassing charge. The state official repeatedly suggests that he will make things difficult for the city manager and his city if the charge is not taken care of. Such was the dilemma facing Brian Daily when he was serving as the city manager for a small town in Kansas. Brian was also a guest on Episode 109 of the podcast where we talked about how he had saved taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars simply by reviewing their property and liability insurance coverage. You can listen to that episode here. SHOW NOTES Brian Daily's LinkedIn Profile AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:51:03

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Customer Service vs. Municipal Hospitality with Chris Gilbert | Ep. 136

12/10/2025
Chris Gilbert intrinsically believes that when residents feel seen, heard, and cared for, they become more supportive and trusting of their government. He argues that "customer service" is the transactional act of doing what needs to be done for the customer. However, municipal hospitality is centered around how you make residents feel during and after the delivery of services to them. The Springfield Township administrator launched Municipal Hospitality Advisors after a fateful celebratory birthday dinner with his wife whereupon he was blown away by the actions of the restaurant owner. That experience and the general approach of the hospitality industry towards providing value and memorable experiences to their guests formed the foundation for Gilbert's trainings. SHOW NOTES: Chris Gilbert's LinkedIn Profile and website: https://www.municipalhospitality.com/ To learn more about Sam Toles' social media training for elected officials, go to: https://civisocial.com/aame AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:57:16

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Level Up Your Leadership with The Mental Hygiene Project | Ep. 135

12/3/2025
If you want to be a better leader, you have to understand your behavioral preferences and deficiencies and those of your executive team and senior leadership. And the Harrison Assessment can help you. A couple of months ago, the fellas at The Mental Hygiene Project shepherded me through it. Michael Stahl and Ryan Gallik went through an hour long debrief identifying my core strengths and where I could improve. I enjoyed the process and found the results insightful and illuminating. In this episode, we discuss leadership development and also break down a program they offer local governments to improve employee mental health. It is called Psychological Empowerment 360. SHOW NOTES: To get the special promotional price discount offered to podcast listeners, go to: https://mentalhygieneproject.com/cmu/ Michael Stahl's LinkedIn page Ryan Gallik's LinkedIn page To learn more about Sam Toles' social media training for elected officials, go to: https://civisocial.com/aame AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:57:54

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Is this a masterclass on how to handle a termination?

11/26/2025
In October, Mike Mortell was caught flat-footed when he learned that his fate was sealed and that he would be fired a couple of weeks later. The city manager for Stuart, Florida didn't take it lying down or run off with his tail between his legs. After enduring months of "social media slander" and the machinations of an elected official who orchestrated his ouster, Mortell had to sit through hours of a council meeting before getting the opportunity to speak -- shortly before his inevitable termination. Mortell made a passionate defense of his tenure and attempted to set the record straight on the allegations leveled against him. This episode features the audio from that meeting and I have to ask -- is this not a masterclass on how to defend your reputation when you are being terminated? SHOW NOTES: To learn more about Sam Toles' social media training for elected officials, go to: https://civisocial.com/aame AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:39:28

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My Criminal Defense Attorney Breaks Down the Felony Charges | Ep. 133

11/19/2025
On this special episode of the podcast, Katie Bogenschutz, my criminal defense attorney joins me to discuss the case and break down my two felony charges. I provide a bit more context about my time in Walton County, Florida, and how we got to this point. Additionally, we talk about the terms of the pre-trial diversion offer extended to me by the prosecutor and the discussion we had as to whether I should accept it. At the time of this recording, three depositions had taken place, but only two transcripts had been received and published by the Clerk of the Court. Since this episode was recorded, the transcripts for the deposition of Keith Riddick, the FDLE investigator, have since been made available. You can read all court filings by going to this link: https://www.civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/66/disclaimer.xhtml After checking the disclaimer, type in my first and last name, and then check the "Felony" box. SHOW NOTES: Katie Bogenschutz' LinkedIn Profile and website AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:01:00:24

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Mitch Hammes is THAT Code Enforcement Guy | Ep. 132

11/12/2025
Mitch Hammes has a built a national reputation as "That Code Enforcement Guy" having worked himself up front the frontlines as a code enforcement officer all the way to the top as a city administrator. In this episode, we avoid getting into the weeds and examine code enforcement related topics at the 30,000 foot level in a manner that his hopefully more relevant to city managers and executives. In essence, I wanted to give a voice to the code enforcement officers on the frontlines and allow them to speak to their city managers and department heads through the voice and experience of Mitch -- who has walked their path. Cool note! When Mitch stopped by my home in Wichita to record this episode in person, he was a finalist for his first city manager gig. Shortly after recording this interview he was selected to lead the city of Lamar, Colorado, and started at the end of October. SHOW NOTES: Mitch Hammes' LinkedIn profile Website for "That Code Enforcement Guy" AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:57:40

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Black City Manager: You Gotta Meet Me Halfway with Troy Body | Ep. 131

11/5/2025
This is the second installment in our new "Black City Manager" series featuring Troy Body, the city manager for Hopkinsville, Kentucky. "I can't love your neighborhood more than you love it," Troy explains as we navigate his philosophical approach to city management. He uses the "pick up the can" metaphor to explain how he believe residents must taker ownership for the condition of their own neighborhoods and community. At the end of the day, he says that the residents "have to meet me halfway" for true change to take place. He also states that too many city managers oversell and overhype themselves by projecting the idea that they are transformational leaders and that that can lead to conflict with elected officials and stakeholders. SHOW NOTES: The LinkedIn page for "Black City Managers" Website for "Black City Managers" Troy Body's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:50:34

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Announcing Sam Toles' New Social Media Course for Elected Officials | Ep. 130

10/29/2025
Are your elected officials overreacting to negative comments and criticism on social media? Tired of watching them get spun up by a handful of keyboard warriors living in their mother's basement? Then you need to enroll your elected officials in Sam Toles' new social media training course for elected officials. He is the social media master and a former council member. Lean on his experience and expertise to show your governing body how to analyze and assess the social media landscape. SHOW NOTES Sam Toles' LinkedIn profile Link to CiviSocial website Link to Sam Toles' New Book: The Social Media Playbook For Local Elected Officials Link to the AAME discount for the CiviSocial Social Medial Training for Elected Officials Link to CiviSocial's DeepFake Program Link to CiviSocial's Referendum Ready Program Sam previously appeared on the following episodes: Episode 67: Your City is Doing Social Media Wrong Episode 68: Keyboard Warriors & Social Media Terrorists Episode 108: Social Media Training for Elected Officials with Sam Toles Claim your FREE copy of "The Social Media Playbook for City & County Managers" at this link: https://civisocial.com/the-social-media-playbook AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:57:39

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BEWARE: Bait & Switch in Valley Center, KS City Administrator Recruitment | Ep. 129

10/22/2025
In this episode, I call out what I believe to be unethical and deceitful practices by the the city of Valley Center, Kansas in their current search for a new city administrator. The have posted on LinkedIn that the salary range for their next administrator is $115,000 to $200,000. However, their original job postings that are still visible on various job boards listed a salary of range of $105,000 to $145,000. And just two weeks ago they passed a salary ordinance that set the salary range for the city administrator at a maximum of $171,000 and the current city administrator who has been there for six years is only making $152,000. It appears they are attempting to bait candidates to apply with the new exaggerated and unattainable salary range so that they can lowball the finalist. AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:40:24

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Small Town City Manager Love Affair with Halley Roberson | Ep. 128

10/15/2025
Beloit City Manager Halley Roberson is one of my favorite interviews of all-time and I am pretty sure that most of you will enjoy it, too. She is absolutely hilarious and I am glad I drove the two plus hours to meet her. In this episode, we discuss our mutual love for small town city management, especially in Kansas, and the opportunities it presents for aspiring public sector executives. We also talk about the challenges a city manager will face and need to adjust to in order to be successful. If you are a department head or feel trapped in management analyst land and you have aspirations of becoming a city manager, you should give this episode a listen to help determine if a small, rural community is a good "next step" for you. SHOW NOTES: Link to Halley Roberson's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:01:16:12

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Chris Mann: Knowing Your Why & Being Prepared to Execute | Ep. 127

10/8/2025
Chris Mann's journey to the city manager's chair was a circuitous, non-traditional one. The California city manager started his journey as a city councilman in his early 20s and would later go on to start his own public relations firm which heavily focused on local government issues and land development. He would then launch a a successful political action committee that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars each election cycle. In this episode, we talk about the "why" behind his journey and an aspect that many are simply unprepared for. We also discuss the reasons behind the city podcast he launched when he was the city manager in Yucaipa, California. He explains the funding source he used to pay for the equipment and we kick around an idea that many cities and counties may want to consider implementing so that they can help their residents develop their own voice in our rapidly evolving digital economy. SHOW NOTES: Links to Chris Mann's LinkedIn profile and Gov360 Podcast AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:01:02:37

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The Black City Manager: A New Series with Troy Body | Ep. 126

10/1/2025
For many months, I have been trying to coax and cajole Troy Body into starting his own podcast or at the very least becoming a regular, recurring guest on my podcast. I have wanted to provide a platform for the Hopkinsville, Kentucky city manager and give him a voice. He has interesting perspectives and opinions you will not find anywhere else regarding local government and city management and he often shares these "hot takes" on the "Black City Managers" LinkedIn page. The plan is to roll out a series of interviews with Troy so that he can get a sense of whether he would like to do his own podcast and help him build a pre-launch audience if he decides to venture out on his own. Building listenership for a podcast is incredibly difficult. If you enjoy this new series, please let us know by going to BlackCityManagers.org and leaving a comment. SHOW NOTES: The LinkedIn page for "Black City Managers" Website for "Black City Managers" Troy Body's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:56:37

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Blaine Oborn: Persecuted Because of My LDS Faith | Ep. 125

9/23/2025
For nearly 20 years, Blaine Oborn had an unblemished record as a city manager serving in multiple states. That all changed when he became the city administrator in Oak Harbor, Washington. He assumed his duties as the city was at the very tail end of a wastewater plant project that had tripled in costs from $50 million to $150 million under the leadership of Cathy Rosen, the public works director. She would go on to level unsubstantiated accusations that masked her religious bigotry toward Blaine, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. These claims were embellish and exaggerated by the publisher of the local paper. She had previously applied for a job with the city and was rejected by Oborn. These horrible, baseless accusations have been amplified in newspaper articles, tainted his Google footprint, and severely hurt him in job searches. In this episode, he seeks to set the record straight and repair the damage done to his reputation. SHOW NOTES: Blaine Oborn's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:54:32

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Lessons From the Death of My Father with Joe Dessenberger | Ep. 124

9/17/2025
Joe Dessenberger grew up with a father who worked seven days a week until he died rather suddenly after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 62. His father had a vision of what his life would be like in retirement, but never got to enjoy it. In this emotionally charged episode, we discuss the indelible influence of his father's journey through life and how that has shaped his mindset. Additionally, we discuss the sobering impact of his heart attack at the age of 51 and how these life experiences govern his thinking with respect to retirement and spending time with the people he loves most. It is my belief that everyone who listens to this episode will gain something of value from it. SHOW NOTES: Joe Dessenberger's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:01:05:52

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Paul Sanftner Needs Your Help with His Brilliant Public Safety Idea | Ep. 123

9/9/2025
San Leandro Public Information Officer Paul Sanftner has a fantastic public safety idea that would help local government agencies during emergencies and save lives. But he needs your help! He is trying to persuade YouTube to add an emergency alert feature to their platform so that authorities can communicate important life-saving messages during natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other serious events that pose a danger to life and property. Our emergency alert systems are a step behind the technological advances that have fragmented how news is disseminated and consumed. Please give this episode a listen and more importantly sign his letter of support and share it with other public sector executives. SHOW NOTES: Paul Sanftner's LinkedIn Profile Sign on as a signatory to his letter of support here Check Out Paul's YouTube Video where he talks about this "Super Commute" AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:43:25

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Swingers Edition: Unhinged & Crazy in Rehoboth Beach | Ep. 122

9/3/2025
Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Suzanne Goode dropped 10 voicemail messages on her city manager in the span of 24 hours demanding that he edit or unpublish an official public meeting from their YouTube account. Why? Because another commissioner publicly shamed her for being toxic and abusive toward fellow commissioners and staff at a subcommittee meeting to discuss a Civility in the Workplace policy after she was outed for suggesting the city manager was they mayor's whore. In these voicemail messages, which we share with you to listen for yourself, Goode argues she was slandered and defamed and suggests she may sue. That is -- when she is not getting cut off by the recording a la Jon Favreau's character in Swingers. AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:48:30

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Star Wars, Tattoos & Community Engagement with Jeff Fiegenschuh | Ep. 121

8/27/2025
In this powerful episode, Jeff Fiegenschuh talks about his approach to community engagement, connecting with staff, and building relationships with his elected officials as the city manager for Rochelle, Illinois. What prompted my desire to interview Jeff was the fact that he contributes a monthly column to his local paper and I believe most executives fail to take advantage of this effective technique to connect with residents, showcase the work of staff, and elevate the standing of their elected officials. Jeff also sits down for regular interviews with the local radio station and encourages his staff to participate in interviews with the radio station, too. While discussing his love for Star Wars, tattoos, and the Boston Red Sox, Jeff also touches on how important it is for public sector executives to have a life and an identity outside of work. SHOW NOTES Link to Jeff Fiegenschuh's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:01:03:33

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It's Time to Rate & Review the Recruiters | Ep. 120

8/20/2025
In a couple of months, the American Association of Municipal Executives will be launching an online directory that will allow candidates to rate and review executive recruiters and recruitment firms. Under the current system, there is no mechanism or vehicle in place to give candidates a voice or to allow their concerns to be raised or addressed. By creating this directory, the AAME will be able to communicate the concerns of its members to HR directors and elected officials as they go through the RFP process and help influence their decision making process. The ultimate goal is to help create a recruitment process that compels the recruiters to treat candidates better and punish those that do not give the candidates the respect and professional courtesy they deserve. SHOW NOTES Link to fundraiser and benefit auction Facebook page for Roxton, Texas city manager Janet Wheeler. Flyer includes QR code for Venmo donations being collected by Monica Helm or you can Venmo here: @monicahelm Link to GiveSendGo fundraiser for Scott Whitaker's legal fund. He is the former town manager for Summerfield, North Carolina. AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duration:00:39:55